What is the definition of urinary retention?

The definition of urinary retention is characterized as the inability to empty the bladder completely. This condition can manifest in various clinical scenarios, such as after surgery, due to obstruction, or as a result of neurological conditions. The key aspect of urinary retention is not simply infrequent urination or the presence of leakage but rather a functional impairment in bladder emptying.

In contrast, involuntary leakage of urine describes urinary incontinence, a different condition where there is an unexpected loss of urine. Frequent urination with small volumes suggests an overactive bladder or conditions like cystitis rather than retention, where the issue lies in incomplete bladder voiding. Lastly, complete loss of bladder control indicates a severe form of urinary incontinence, which differs fundamentally from urinary retention, where patients may have a sense of urgency but are unable to properly empty their bladder. Understanding these distinctions is critical for diagnosis and management in obstetric and gynecological practice.